Use Exercise to Keep Pounds Off For Good

If you’ve lost weight – and gained it all back again – there’s something you need to know.

It’s not all about willpower.

Yes, it’s important to steer clear of buffets, second helpings, super-sized portions and junk food. Understanding nutrition doesn’t hurt either.

But even more important is adding consistent, moderate exercise to your daily routine.

Scientists have figured out that when our bodies lose weight from dieting, our levels of leptin – a hormone made by fat cells – begin to plummet. Our bodies head into starvation mode by slowing down metabolism.

At the same time, our brains tell us we’re starving.

Guess what happens then?

You gain weight.

And that brings us back to exercise. Not only does it burn calories but it speeds up our metabolism.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a little willpower, too.

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

Source: New England Journal of Medicine

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